Matthew Poole and continuators on Micah 3:4

4 Then shall they cry unto the LORD , but he will not hear them : he will even hide his face from them at that time , as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings z.

When that time, and those miseries which Micah foretels shall come upon them, chap. 2.6, 7, 8▪ and 2.3. when God shall retaliate and pay these great ones in their own coin.

The cruel oppressours, these Tyrannical Judges that pityed none, devoured all, and feared not the Divine vengeance.

As if they were his, and as if he were bound to deliver; they then shall own he can, and none else can deliver them, and they will expect a saving hand after all their Rebellions against, and contempts of God.

As they heard the cry of the oppressed, but would not hear; so God will hear the cry of their distresses, but not hear the requests they make; he will do no more for them, then as if he did not hear them, he will be as a stranger to their case.

They turned away their face from beholding and pitying the poor, now God will turn away his eye from them, and as if unconcern'd, leave them to their own distresses, and their Enemies rage and cruelty.

This added to assure them they should have least respect from God, when they need it most, so they shall receive what they gave, judgment without mercy, as 'tis Iam. 2.13.

This speaks both the reason why, and the manner how God will thus leave them to the oppressour, the greatness of their sin deserved this, and such was the quality of their sins, that nothing fitter than a retaliation to punish the sin, convince the sinner, teach the world righteousness, and to vindicate God.

Marginal references: Psal. 18.41. Ezek. 8.18. Zech. 7.13.